Date: 13/05/2005
Source: The Presidency
Title: Zuma: Graduation Ceremony of the University of Zululand
Address by the Chancellor of the University of Zululand, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, at the Graduation ceremony of the University of Zululand, King Bhekuzulu Hall
The Rector and Vice Chancellor, Professor Rachel Gumbi
Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele
Chairperson of Council, Mrs HB Mkhize
SRC President and SRC leadership
Dean of the Faculties and all academic staff
Graduates and Parents
Good friends of our university
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good day to you all
Graduation ceremonies are by nature special and celebratory occasions, where institutions reward the excellent achievements of students who are our future leaders. Let me also convey a special congratulations message to the Premier of this Province, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, who has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree for his contribution and role in bringing about peace and development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Halala Manzankosi!
A graduation ceremony is an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of education in our country.
The importance of education dates back many decades, and even in our struggle for liberation, we saw the value of education and the difference it made in the methods and quality of our struggle, as well as in the academic history of our country, and Southern Africa, especially on the African people.
After the end of the wars of dispossession and final consolidation of colonialism, it was clear that methods of struggle would have to change. Education became a pivotal instrument to address that challenge. It was clear that we needed leaders who could analyse the political situation and who could articulate clearly the challenges facing the oppressed. The intelligentsia that founded and led the African National Congress (ANC) from 1912 understood this task and were able to execute it efficiently.
Therefore, even in this democratic era, we understand the value of education and its liberating and developmental role in addressing the challenges of our country and our continent. Our graduates have to follow in the footsteps of the illustrious intellectuals of centuries ago, who used their education to advance our liberation and to work for a better life for all.
We hope that they will follow in the footsteps of our pioneers and intellectuals from the late 1880s to the early 1900s. People like Tiyo Soga, John Tengo Jabavu, Walter Rubusana, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, John Langalibalele Dube, Alfred Mangena, GD Montsioa, RW Msimang and many others who all used their education in order to liberate and empower their people.
I also have in mind Professor ZK Matthews and Govan Mbeki who were among those who took part in the drawing up of the African Claims in 1946, which was the first document to articulate human rights in our country. A few years later in 1955, the Freedom Charter was launched, articulating the vision of the people regarding the type of a free South Africa they wanted. Both Professor Mathews and Govan Mbeki played a key role. It was a document that became the fundamental foundation of our current democratic state.
The importance and value of education is reflected in the words of John Langalibalele Dube, in his first address to the ANC NEC meeting in February 1912, when he said: “I, too, have my heart centred mainly in the education of my race. Therein, methinks, lies the shortest and best way to their mental, moral, material and political betterment.”
This is the value that the leaders of the African people who followed Dube, Seme and others attached to education. In the 1950’s ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli also articulated the importance of education.
In 1961 Chief Luthuli articulated the role of education in a free and democratic society as a tool for nation building and reconciliation by saying that:
“Education is a paramount unifying factor in building consciousness and pride – a healthy community spirit. In my non-racial democratic South Africa there can be no question of a different system of education for different racial groups”.
“Education would be free and compulsory for all in the primary stage at first, and later up to matriculation. Substantial aid would be given to universities with a generous system for bursaries and loans to students”.
He concluded by saying: “Special efforts would be made to remove illiteracy. Night schools to provide working adults with facilities for part-time education in any standard would be encouraged. Multi-racial schools will be demanded by the need to develop common patriotism and national solidarity.”
I have quoted Chief Luthuli at length to show that education plays a major societal role and to indicate that our leaders were always clear about the role of education in our national democratic struggle. The vision that Chief Luthuli had those many years ago and what the people said when they adopted the Freedom Charter has guided us as we are transforming education in South Africa after liberation.
The students who are here today, receiving their degrees and diplomas are the beneficiaries of an education system that so many fought for and desired, hence it is the expectation of the society and communities that they come from that they will play a meaningful role in the development of their country.
The qualifications that you have must be used to benefit the poor and the uneducated. You have to be the shining examples in your communities by leading by example like the Dube’s, the Seme’s, the Jabavu’s that we spoke about earlier.
Let me take this opportunity as well to thank your parents for their role, contributions and sacrifices that they have made in ensuring that you are here today, without their support this would not have been possible.
We sometimes forget the sacrifices that parents make to ensure that their children obtain the quality of education that you have achieved today. They are the real champions for having the vision of guiding you in the correct path, and supporting you throughout your careers.
We must also thank members of the academic community and support staff, who remain committed to the noble profession of education. Your toil, sometimes under trying circumstances, can really be described as a life-giving heartbeat, for without producing sufficient professionals for the market place, no nation can hope to prosper.
The possession of a degree certificate will not automatically fling open doors of opportunity wide open. You are entering a competitive world where your knowledge, skills, dedication work ethics and moral values will be tested to the utmost, and they must be found to be of the highest standard if you want to succeed.
It is now up to you to take this further and become worthy and productive citizens - not only for yourself, but also for the benefit of your country and especially those who are less privileged than you.
You must be prepared to participate actively in developing our young democracy to benefit all our citizens.
Our economy needs large numbers of graduates with professional skills. Given the globalisation of the world economy, we are increasingly improving our human resource strategy as a country. The world today demands constant renewal and innovation and the country will rely heavily on the young people like we have here today to keep South Africa competitive in the international arena.
Remember that we are part of the African continent and should therefore seek to expand our knowledge and contribution beyond the borders of our country.
The social, economic and political challenges of this continent have been identified through NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) and we hope our intelligentsia will also contribute to the developmental goals. We also trust that you will contribute to the development and sustainability of African institutions and programmes such as the African Union and NEPAD.
We congratulate you today and invite you to become part of the exciting road ahead, towards a prosperous and successful country.
In conclusion, I would like to urge the graduates to never cease to seek more knowledge, never tire of overcoming fresh obstacles and never compromise on maintaining a professional work ethic.
Go out there and make us proud as this University and as leadership of this country! We wish you well. Take the skills, knowledge and values that you have been taught and practice them, and always remember that whatever you do outside also reflects on the institution and community that you come from.
Congratulations! I thank you.
Issued by: The Presidency
13 May 2005
Source: The Presidency
Title: Zuma: Graduation Ceremony of the University of Zululand
Address by the Chancellor of the University of Zululand, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, at the Graduation ceremony of the University of Zululand, King Bhekuzulu Hall
The Rector and Vice Chancellor, Professor Rachel Gumbi
Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele
Chairperson of Council, Mrs HB Mkhize
SRC President and SRC leadership
Dean of the Faculties and all academic staff
Graduates and Parents
Good friends of our university
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good day to you all
Graduation ceremonies are by nature special and celebratory occasions, where institutions reward the excellent achievements of students who are our future leaders. Let me also convey a special congratulations message to the Premier of this Province, Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, who has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree for his contribution and role in bringing about peace and development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Halala Manzankosi!
A graduation ceremony is an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of education in our country.
The importance of education dates back many decades, and even in our struggle for liberation, we saw the value of education and the difference it made in the methods and quality of our struggle, as well as in the academic history of our country, and Southern Africa, especially on the African people.
After the end of the wars of dispossession and final consolidation of colonialism, it was clear that methods of struggle would have to change. Education became a pivotal instrument to address that challenge. It was clear that we needed leaders who could analyse the political situation and who could articulate clearly the challenges facing the oppressed. The intelligentsia that founded and led the African National Congress (ANC) from 1912 understood this task and were able to execute it efficiently.
Therefore, even in this democratic era, we understand the value of education and its liberating and developmental role in addressing the challenges of our country and our continent. Our graduates have to follow in the footsteps of the illustrious intellectuals of centuries ago, who used their education to advance our liberation and to work for a better life for all.
We hope that they will follow in the footsteps of our pioneers and intellectuals from the late 1880s to the early 1900s. People like Tiyo Soga, John Tengo Jabavu, Walter Rubusana, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, John Langalibalele Dube, Alfred Mangena, GD Montsioa, RW Msimang and many others who all used their education in order to liberate and empower their people.
I also have in mind Professor ZK Matthews and Govan Mbeki who were among those who took part in the drawing up of the African Claims in 1946, which was the first document to articulate human rights in our country. A few years later in 1955, the Freedom Charter was launched, articulating the vision of the people regarding the type of a free South Africa they wanted. Both Professor Mathews and Govan Mbeki played a key role. It was a document that became the fundamental foundation of our current democratic state.
The importance and value of education is reflected in the words of John Langalibalele Dube, in his first address to the ANC NEC meeting in February 1912, when he said: “I, too, have my heart centred mainly in the education of my race. Therein, methinks, lies the shortest and best way to their mental, moral, material and political betterment.”
This is the value that the leaders of the African people who followed Dube, Seme and others attached to education. In the 1950’s ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli also articulated the importance of education.
In 1961 Chief Luthuli articulated the role of education in a free and democratic society as a tool for nation building and reconciliation by saying that:
“Education is a paramount unifying factor in building consciousness and pride – a healthy community spirit. In my non-racial democratic South Africa there can be no question of a different system of education for different racial groups”.
“Education would be free and compulsory for all in the primary stage at first, and later up to matriculation. Substantial aid would be given to universities with a generous system for bursaries and loans to students”.
He concluded by saying: “Special efforts would be made to remove illiteracy. Night schools to provide working adults with facilities for part-time education in any standard would be encouraged. Multi-racial schools will be demanded by the need to develop common patriotism and national solidarity.”
I have quoted Chief Luthuli at length to show that education plays a major societal role and to indicate that our leaders were always clear about the role of education in our national democratic struggle. The vision that Chief Luthuli had those many years ago and what the people said when they adopted the Freedom Charter has guided us as we are transforming education in South Africa after liberation.
The students who are here today, receiving their degrees and diplomas are the beneficiaries of an education system that so many fought for and desired, hence it is the expectation of the society and communities that they come from that they will play a meaningful role in the development of their country.
The qualifications that you have must be used to benefit the poor and the uneducated. You have to be the shining examples in your communities by leading by example like the Dube’s, the Seme’s, the Jabavu’s that we spoke about earlier.
Let me take this opportunity as well to thank your parents for their role, contributions and sacrifices that they have made in ensuring that you are here today, without their support this would not have been possible.
We sometimes forget the sacrifices that parents make to ensure that their children obtain the quality of education that you have achieved today. They are the real champions for having the vision of guiding you in the correct path, and supporting you throughout your careers.
We must also thank members of the academic community and support staff, who remain committed to the noble profession of education. Your toil, sometimes under trying circumstances, can really be described as a life-giving heartbeat, for without producing sufficient professionals for the market place, no nation can hope to prosper.
The possession of a degree certificate will not automatically fling open doors of opportunity wide open. You are entering a competitive world where your knowledge, skills, dedication work ethics and moral values will be tested to the utmost, and they must be found to be of the highest standard if you want to succeed.
It is now up to you to take this further and become worthy and productive citizens - not only for yourself, but also for the benefit of your country and especially those who are less privileged than you.
You must be prepared to participate actively in developing our young democracy to benefit all our citizens.
Our economy needs large numbers of graduates with professional skills. Given the globalisation of the world economy, we are increasingly improving our human resource strategy as a country. The world today demands constant renewal and innovation and the country will rely heavily on the young people like we have here today to keep South Africa competitive in the international arena.
Remember that we are part of the African continent and should therefore seek to expand our knowledge and contribution beyond the borders of our country.
The social, economic and political challenges of this continent have been identified through NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) and we hope our intelligentsia will also contribute to the developmental goals. We also trust that you will contribute to the development and sustainability of African institutions and programmes such as the African Union and NEPAD.
We congratulate you today and invite you to become part of the exciting road ahead, towards a prosperous and successful country.
In conclusion, I would like to urge the graduates to never cease to seek more knowledge, never tire of overcoming fresh obstacles and never compromise on maintaining a professional work ethic.
Go out there and make us proud as this University and as leadership of this country! We wish you well. Take the skills, knowledge and values that you have been taught and practice them, and always remember that whatever you do outside also reflects on the institution and community that you come from.
Congratulations! I thank you.
Issued by: The Presidency
13 May 2005
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
